Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
 
MEDIA ALERT
September 27, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]

RE: Washington Times publishes Assembly “Letter to the Editor”

The Armenian Assembly of America would like to call your attention to a
“Letter to the Editor,” which was submitted to The Washington Times by
Assembly Executive Director Ross Vartian and published on September 22,
2004. The letter was written in response to a September 19 Times article
entitled, “Keeping a Key Caspian Ally.”

The letter may also be accessed at the following link:

AZERBAIJANIS AND NAGORNO-KARABAKH

On Azerbaijan, S. Rob Sobhani believes he is right on the mark: It
has oil, and the West needs that oil, so Washington has one choice,
to support the Azerbaijani government regardless of its aggressive
policies toward its Armenian neighbors or its universally acknowledged
dismal record on corruption and human rights (“Keeping a key Caspian
ally,” Commentary, Saturday).

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the agreement that gave the
United States access to Azerbaijan’s oil reserves, but it also marks
10 years since the cease-fire in Nagorno Karabakh, which should have
been a prelude to a negotiated peaceful settlement.

However, ten years into the cease-fire, Azerbaijan’s response to the
popular demand of the Nagorno Karabakh Armenians for self determination
has not changed. Like the pogroms and mass deportations in the months
before the Azerbaijani-initiated war, threats of more of the same
continue today.

To quote remarks by Azerbaijani Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Ramiz
Melikov published August 4, 2004 in the Azerbaijani press: “In
the next 20-30 years there will be no Armenian state in the South
Caucasus. This nation has been a nuisance for its neighbors and has
no right to live in this region.” Also, to quote former Azerbaijani
President Heydar Aliyev’s own National Security Adviser Vafa Guluzade:
“Armenians should be driven out … The entire population of Nagorno
Karabakh should be moved from there … this problem will not be
resolved as long as Armenians are in Nagorno Karabakh.”

Is this the policy Mr. Sobhani wants the United States to support? Is
this what the American people want their government to support?
Is Azerbaijani oil so important that the United States should
encourage and defend a leadership that clearly advocates not just
another military offensive against Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia, but
also ethnic cleansing and the demise of Armenia against its population?

Oil is one thing; the price for oil espoused by Mr. Sobhani is
something else.

Sincerely,

Ross Vartian
Executive Director
Armenian Assembly of America
Washington

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

NR#2004-088

Azeri party complains about persecution of independent media

Turan news agency
27 Sep 04

Baku

The persecution of the independent and opposition press in Azerbaijan
has intensified over the past year. Attacks on the press and individual
journalists represent not only a violation of freedom of speech,
but also of the citizens’ right to information, the Hope Party says
in a statement issued today.

The document says that the leading opposition newspapers and magazines
are under constant pressure by the authorities: their employees are
subjected to attacks and abduction, while courts impose considerable
fines on them. All this is aimed at bringing the opposition media to
bankruptcy and forcing it into silence.

The statement also says that over the past year, Georgia has held 65
and Armenia 70 trials involving the media, while in Azerbaijan there
have been 700 such trials. All this demonstrates the proportion of the
campaign to suppress the freedom of the media which the authorities
launched after the 2003 presidential elections.

The Hope Party demands that the authorities put an end to the
persecution campaign and free the editor-in-chief of Yeni Musavat
newspaper, Rauf Arifoglu, who has been imprisoned for 11 months now.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Sept 27 2004

CHAIRMAN OF AZERBAIJAN PARLIAMENT VISITING UKRAINE
[September 27, 2004, 18:49:03]

As was stated, Chairman of Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic
Murtuz Alaskarov is on an official visit in Ukraine.

In the morning on September 26, M. Alaskarov has assigned flowers to
the monument of the national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev.
Members of parliamentary delegation, representatives of the Congress
of Azerbaijanis of Ukraine (CAU) also have assigned flowers to the
monument of the father of the Azerbaijan nation. Then, Murtuz
Alaskarov together with deputies of Milli Majlis has planted trees in
the territory of the embassy of Azerbaijan in Kiev where was erected
this monument.

Chairman of Azerbaijan Parliament has met in the embassy the
diplomatic corps in this country.

The same day, M. Alaskarov met the activists of the Congress of
Azerbaijanis of Ukraine at the “Natsionalniy” Hotel.

With the opening remarks, ambassador Talat Aliyev opened the meeting.

Then, warmly having welcomed on behalf of the Congress the Chairman
of Milli Majlis and members of delegation, chairman of the CAU Ogtay
Efendiyev informed on activity of Azerbaijani Diaspora. He has noted
that today there are half million Azerbaijanis live in Ukraine,
regional branches of the Congress function in 27 subjects of Ukraine.
As he said, the Diaspora differs with high activity in all spheres of
the life of Ukraine. He has assured the head of Azerbaijan Parliament
that CAU would and further strengthen its number in the name of
consolidation of the nation to promote the state policy of our
national leader Heydar Aliyev and successfully carried out by
President Ilham Aliyev.

In his statement, Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament has noted stable
political situation in the country, has told about the big
accomplishments of Azerbaijan under the direction of President Ilham
Aliyev in all areas of life of the Republic that inspires the nation
on new achievements in the name of well-being of our people and
prosperity of Azerbaijan, strong base of which was laid by ingenious
Heydar Aliyev.

Speaking on the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Garabagh conflict, Mr.
Alaskarov has called the Ukrainian Azerbaijanis to bring the truth up
to the Ukrainian public. He also has emphasized, that official Kiev
firmly stands o the position of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan
that has been once again confirmed during the meeting with chairman
of the Supreme Rada of Ukraine Vladimir Litvin and the first deputy
foreign minister of Ukraine Vladimir Yelchenko

Chairman of Azerbaijan Parliament wished the management and activists
of Azerbaijan Diaspora news successes and accomplishments in the name
of independent Azerbaijan and their second Motherland – Ukraine.

In the second half of day, members of parliamentary delegation have
familiarized with historical memorial complexes of Kiev.

The official visit continues.

Chinese-Armenian relations to enter new stage: Hu

Xinhua, China
Sept 27 2004

2004-09-27 23:32:12

BEIJING, Sept. 27 (Xinhuanet) — China is ready to make joint efforts
with Armenia to raise bilateral relations to a new level, said Chinese
President Hu Jintao here Monday.

Hu made the remark in talks with visiting Armenian President Robert
Sedrakovich Kocharyan, who is on his first state visit to China
as president.

Hu vowed to increase political trust, saying China and Armenia should
carry out multi-channel and multi-layer exchanges, keep up political
and diplomatic consultations and strengthen communication in such
international organizations as the United Nations.

The two countries should find new ways to expand trade by taking
advantage of their trade cooperation committee, said Hu, adding
that China encourages Chinese companies to step up cooperation with
Armenia and to increase their investment in Armenia’s infrastructural
construction.

Hu also advocated further exchanges and cooperation between thetwo
countries in the fields of culture, education, science and technology,
health and tourism.

Agreeing with the Chinese president, Kocharyan said Armenia
expects deepening bilateral relations with China, since the growing
relationship is of great significance to Armenia.

China has accumulated much experience in the process of developing
its market economy and practicing opening-up policy, which provides
a vital opportunity for trade cooperation, said Kocharyan.

Armenia recognizes China’s full market economy status, hoping the
two sides strengthen cooperation in such fields as energy, chemical
industry, agriculture and technology, said Kocharyan. Thetwo sides
could take proper measures to help the entrepreneurs enhance exchange
and understanding to expand cooperation.

Hu said China and Armenia have treated each other with mutual respect
and equality since they forged diplomatic ties 12 years ago.

Hu said he appreciated Armenia’s diplomatic policy that puts priority
on relations with China, one of the earliest countries torecognize
Armenia as an independent nation, and expressed thanks for Armenia’s
firm support in controversial areas such as Taiwan and Tibet.

Kocharyan said the two countries have seen sound economic development
and have taken similar stances on international issueswith no
political problems.

Kocharyan said Armenia would continue to adhere to “One-China Policy”
and support China’s reunification.

After the talks, the two heads of states signed a joint statement
and attended a signing ceremony for three cooperative agreements,
including an agreement on economic and technical cooperation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

September 24, 2004
____________________

FUND FOR ARMENIAN RELIEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMES GARNIK NANAGOULIAN
AS THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After an extensive international search, the Fund for Armenian Relief
(FAR) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of
Garnik Nanagoulian as the new Executive Director.

Mr. Nanagoulian’s background and experience are the perfect fit for FAR.
He is a former Minister of Industry and Trade and senior diplomat who
served as Armenia’s Ambassador to Canada as well as Deputy Chief of
Mission in the Armenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. As an active member
of the government of Armenia, Mr. Nanagoulian helped design and
implement structural reforms during Armenia’s transition from a
totalitarian regime to a democracy. He played an essential role in
shaping the government’s policy to create a favorable environment for
the development of a free market economy.

Following his tenure in public service, Mr. Nanagoulian was a Fellow and
an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at
Harvard University. He lectured and participated in workshops in the
Harvard and Boston-area university communities as well as conducted
research on various Transcaucasusian issues.

Throughout his career, Mr. Nanagoulian developed a keen know-how of
nonprofit organizations. In the diplomatic service and as a member of
government, he coordinated a number of humanitarian and technical
assistance projects provided by foreign governments and internationals
NGOs. Since moving to the U.S., he has been a consultant to
multinational companies and nonprofit organizations seeking to trade
with and assist the countries of the former Soviet Union.

“The opportunity to be a part of a noble mission to help children,
orphans, and elderly – the vulnerable populations among the thousands of
Armenians who are struggling to adjust to the harsh realities of the
transition – was one I couldn’t pass up,” Mr. Nanagoulian said when
accepting the position. “I am especially excited to join the Fund for
Armenian Relief, which is the preeminent Diasporan relief organization
in Armenia.”

When discussing his vision for the nonprofit’s future, he said, “I look
forward to continuing FAR’s tradition of service and excellence and
helping the organization reach new heights in its mission. I plan to
expand the scope of FAR’s operations and spread awareness about the
organization within the Diaspora. The Diaspora needs to understand that
FAR has the capacity and the commitment to realize the objectives of
those who wish to make a critical difference in our Homeland.”

The Board’s Search Committee worked with Randolph S. Gulian, President
of the executive search firm InSearch Worldwide Corporation, to identify
the most qualified candidate that best matched the organization and its
mission. On behalf of all the Board members, FAR Board President Abp.
Khajag Barsamian expressed “thanks to the Search Committee for its
efforts to nominate the applicant with superb qualifications. This is a
sign of the Board’s commitment to the continued growth of the
organization.”

The Board of Directors is delighted with the perfect match. Iterating
the Board’s sentiment, Chairman Kevork Hovnanian said, “Garnik brings
tremendous experience and many valuable skills to the job. His
leadership and involvement in our communities make him the ideal person
for the position. He has the dedication to the mission of FAR and the
enthusiasm for the job.”

Board member Carl Bazarian agreed, “I have known Garnik Nanagoulian
since the fall of the Soviet Union and I found him to be dedicated to
his Homeland, Armenia. He is a man with extreme integrity and a drive
to improve the standard of living of his fellow Armenians. He is very
well respected in Washington, D.C. government circles and throughout the
world based on his service to Armenia as a Minister and in his capacity
as a premier international diplomat.”

FAR will undoubtedly benefit greatly from Mr. Nanagoulian’s extensive
experiences, but more importantly, from his honorable commitment to
empower the people of Armenia and strengthen ties with the Diaspora.
The FAR Board looks forward to working with Mr. Nanagoulian in his new
capacity as the Executive Director.

FAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in New York,
with offices in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Stepanakert. For 15 years, FAR has
implemented various relief, development, social, educational, and
cultural projects valued at more than $250 million. It remains the
preeminent Diasporan organization operating in Armenia.

For more information or to send donations, contact the Fund for Armenian
Relief at 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone (212)
889-5150, fax (212) 889-4849; , [email protected].

— 9/24/04

E-mail photo available upon request.

PHOTO CAPTION: Garnik Nanagoulian is appointed Executive Director of the
Fund for Armenian Relief.

# # #

China, Armenia to promote bilateral ties

Xinhua, China
Sept 27 2004

BEIJING, Sept. 27 (Xinhuanet) — China and Armenia are willing to
expand exchanges in various fields to promote comprehensive development
of cooperation, according to the Sino-Armenian joint statement issued
here Monday.

The statement, signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting
Armenian President Robert Sedrakovich Kocharyan, says both sides
speak highly of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries
in political, economic, trade, scientific, technological, cultural
and other areas since the forging of diplomatic ties in 1992.

Both sides are satisfied with the smooth development of relations, and
will continue to carry out high-level exchanges, says the statement.

The two sides encourage and support cooperation between their
businesses to enhance the dimensions of their economic and trade
cooperation, it says.

The two sides agree that the challenges for developing countries
created by economic globalization should arouse people’sattention,
and international society should take active measures to direct the
development of economic globalization towards commonprosperity.

Armenia recognizes China’s full market economy status, which
isconducive to enhancing economic and trade ties between China
and Armenia, and both sides attach great importance on developing
inter-parliamentary friendly ties between the two countries, it says.

Both sides share great potential in exchanges and cooperation in
such fields as science, technology, culture, education, agriculture,
journalism and sports, and will encourage regional and civil institutes
to make direct exchanges, says the statement.

Armenia reaffirms that the People’s Republic of China is the sole
legitimate government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is
an inalienable part of China. Armenia will not establishany official
contact with Taiwan, and opposes “Taiwan Independence” in any form,
says the statement, which notes that China appreciates Armenia’s
stance.

China supports the efforts of the international community to settle
the Nagorno-Karabakh issue peacefully, and hopes that the conflict
can be settled in a just and reasonable way in line with relevant
international principles and norms, it says.

Both sides support the dialogue and cooperation made in international
human rights and oppose double standards on the human rights or the
politicalization of the issue, says the statement.

Both sides agree that the United Nations plays an important role in
safeguarding world peace and security, and the principles of the UN
Charter are still the basic rule for solving international affairs,
says the statement, noting that the two sides are willing to promote
cooperation in some major international affairs to safeguard the
common interests of developing countries.

The maintenance and development of friendly cooperation betweenChina
and Armenia is not directed against any third country, and will not
harm its interests, the statement says.

Kocharyan was here for a five-day state visit. Enditem

Photo:

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

President Aliyev calls on Armenia to observe UN resolutions

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 28 2004

In his speech made at the 59th session of the UN General Assembly
on Friday, President Ilham Aliyev focused on ways for joint combat
against the international terrorism and occupation of Azerbaijani
lands by Armenia.

President Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan has repeatedly encountered
terror attacks and there shouldn’t be double standards towards
fighting terrorism.

Touching upon the Upper Garabagh conflict, President Aliyev called
on Armenia to observe the UN Security Council’s four resolutions on
unconditional withdrawal of its Armed Forces from the occupied lands
of Azerbaijan.*

President holds meetings in USA

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 28 2004

President Ilham Aliyev visiting New York met with the OSCE acting
chairman, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Pasini at the Waldort
Astoria hotel on Thursday.

Aliyev called on the OSCE chairman to step up efforts at settling
the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper Garabagh. The parties also
discussed the future activity of the OSCE and its expansion.

President Aliyev also met with Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel
Moratinos Kuyaben. The Spanish official stated that his country was
closely following the processes ongoing in Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev pointed out the great potential for expanding
bilateral relations. He said that since Azerbaijan was admitted to
the European Union New Neighborhood Policy, the country intends to
bring about a new stage in its relations with the organization and
its member-states.

President Aliyev also met with the ExxonMobil company president
Tim Seykan.

Seykan congratulated the Azeri leader on the 10th anniversary of the
Contract of the Century and pointed out the successful implementation
of Caspian oil and gas projects.

Also discussed was the future activity of ExxonMobil in Azerbaijan.
Aliyev also met with the Soros Foundation President George Soros to
discuss the Upper Garabagh problem.*

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERBAIJAN ANGRY THAT ZORY BALAYAN WAS NOT ARRESTED BY TURKISH AUTHORITIES

ArmenPress
Sept 28 2004

BAKU, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS: A Baku-based Ekho daily regretted
that Zory Balayan, a prominent Armenian publicist, was not detained
by Turkish border guards on Turkish-Syrian border, when entering
Turkey from Syria to meet with residents of an Armenian village in
Turkey. “Taking into consideration that the well-known Armenian
“terrorist” is outside Armenia (Balayan is on board of a ship,
replicated from medieval Armenian merchant vessels, sailing to
Europe-Armenpress) Azeri authorities intend to start a sweeping
manhunt after him,” the daily writes. To remind, Azerbaijan had asked
Interpol to arrest Balayan, whom it accuses of masterminding a series
of terrorist acts in Azerbaijan, but Interpol has dropped the case.

Z. Orduj, an Azeri parliament member, was quoted by the daily
as saying that he was going to ask the government at a regular
parliament session to request that Balayan be arrested and extradited
by the authorities of those countries which the vessel crew is pass
through. “Balayan regularly comes up with threats against Turkey and
the Turkish authorities should treat him just like Abdullah Ocalan,”
the Azeri deputy stated.

33 PERCENT OF ARMENIANS BELIEVE THEIR COUNTRY WOULD BENEFIT FROM JOHN KERRY’S ELECTION

ArmenPress
Sept 28 2004

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS: The November 2 presidential
election in the US is in the limelight of other nations too. A Vox
Populi center for studying public opinion conducted a survey to learn
what Armenians think about the US polls.

According to 33 percent of respondents, Armenia would benefit from
John Kerry’s election, and only 17 percent believe that George W.
Bush’s reelection would be beneficial to Armenia, while 19 percent
said they could not answer that question.

Forty-three percent do not believe that if elected John Kerry’s
administration would officially recognize the 1915 Armenian genocide,
while 23 said it might be possible.

Some 23 percent said they could not say whether the US policy towards
Armenia would change if Kerry were elected president, while another
23 percent said it would hardly change and only 12 percent believe
that the policy would change.

The survey was conducted among 645 residents of Yerevan aged 18 and
more between September 19-14.